Have you watched the movie Talladega Nights, starring Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly? If not, I have to say I can understand the decision. I love it, but goodness is it stupid! Anyway, there is one particular scene that I was thinking about. John C. Reilly’s character has come up with an awesome idea and tells Will’s character (Ricky Bobby)about it. Ricky’s first response is, “Man, that is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.” When asked if he REALLY thinks that, Ricky says, “No, I admit it, that’s the awesomest…how did you come up with that?”
In the online world, we often find out that people in our community have come up with awesome ideas, and it’s possible that on occasion, that little green monster called jealousy might creep into the picture. When that happens, though, you don’t want to slip up like Ricky Bobby does. Few things can tear up engagement more than a spot of jealousy. Few things can make you look more defensive.
So how can you react online when someone (or another company) announces a great idea? Now, if you’re part of a big corporate online effort, this is something that will need to be discussed corporately, of course. But let’s say it’s you and another blogger, or you and another consultant. How can you handle someone else’s great idea?
Here are some possibilities.
1. If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. Your community is probably not going to know the entire history you have with the idea-sharer. Therefore, if you say something mean-spirited about their idea, it will only make you look bad and draw more attention to them. If you can’t think of a better way, just stay silent on the issue.
2. Take time to analyze. Sometimes, an idea that at first seems competitive actually ends up being something that is just running in parallel with what you’re doing. Evaluate what the person is saying carefully. If it isn’t going to impact you or your business, there’s no harm in offering congratulations, either publicly or privately.
3. Discuss ways to improve the idea. This one would not be recommended for a highly competitive situation, but one good way to associate yourself with a great idea while also showcasing your own expertise is to offer advice or valuable contributions to the concept. If you see a weak spot in the armor, let the person know. If done with civility, this can be done in public. If you are worried the person would perceive it as an attack, do so privately.
4. Promote the idea. Again, this of course would not happen if the situation is highly competitive, but if it isn’t, and if the idea doesn’t impact you directly, go ahead and help the person promote it. This not only helps you engage with that person, but it also helps you bring valuable information to your followers. It shows your community that you are willing to support great ideas even if they aren’t yours. And hey, that person will owe you when your great idea comes!
There is no doubt that a lot of the online world revolves around competition. We’re competing for attention, we’re competing for success. However, on the occasions when you can pay kudos to someone for thinking outside the box, it’s great to do so. And if you can’t, staying silent on the subject is far less dangerous than spouting off or acting out.
What do you think?
Have you encountered situations where someone came up with a really great idea that you wished you had come up with? How did you handle that in your online reality? I’d love for you to add to the conversation!
This is post 8 in The Engagement Series. I hope you are enjoying reading these posts as much as I am enjoying writing them!
Image Credit: http://www.sxc.hu/profile/BrumaMihai
Ideas! I sometimes feel like the idea factory until I look at it on paper and it gets tossed. Others deserve some more time to flush them out. What sometimes seems absolutely ridiculous, ends up being one of the better ones.
There are some ideas that I see or things that people are doing and want to just slap myself for not thinking of it. This happens frequently when talking to CB. I have said one too many times how brilliant some of the things he does are. Some of his best are the most criticized as people are wondering why they did not think of it.
As we all grow in the digital space and learn our ways around and what works and what does not, we have take chances and risks. It is about finding the one thing that we are able to really flush out and believe in. We have to trust it before anyone else can.
And … did I see the movie? You know the answer to that.
Great comment as always, m’dear. Ideas are definitely differetiators in the online world, but someone else coming up with a great idea doesn’t mean the inventory is spent. Spend that energy coming up with a great one of your own, and applaud them for their success!
So…you really don’t want to come off like Walker and Texas Ranger at the dinner table…got it! 😉
Really enjoying the series Margie!
Aren’t those kids just fabulous?!? Haha 🙂 I almost feel bad for the actors that had to say those lines. Almost 🙂
And thank you, Dawn. That means a whole ton to me. Seriously!!
I personally really like to promote the great ideas. I think it improves the quality of blogging for everyone because then I may have a spinoff idea or be ready to add to the conversation with a twist. As long as credit is given and people keep cooperation and community first and center then I think it is exciting to see the momentum that can occur so rapidly via social media.
I agree. There is plenty of room in the universe for ideas to run in parallel with each other. Get creative and see how you can take that idea one or two steps further. Keep yourself challenged! It’s fun 🙂
Margie,
You are truly a social media goddess and truly a symbol of all that is good in social media. Sharing and discussing ideas is what it is all about and doing this in a tactful manner is so very important. Luckily, it seems like most of the ideas that I run into are absolutely fantastic. Sure, I may disagree at times with a few of them, but the vast majority of them are begging to be discussed in a fuller, positive manner.
Regarding the “star” issue, I once thought about my own ability to hit it big, but as I played more and more in this realm, I realized that this isn’t the point. Social Media is about sharing, having some fun, and meeting tons of great people. Stardom is an ever fleeting target and one that should probably be avoided.
Thanks for another amazing post Margie,
@jwsokol